“Is there enough space?”
“I inherited Trout’s farmstead, and I’ve snapped up a couple of smaller plots, too. There’s space down there to erect a big tent for the festivities, if we needed to.”
“Where do your brothers live?”
“Here, most of them,” Cav said.
“Mine, too—so we’d just need to bring a few folks over from Alexandria.”
“They can stay at Trout’s old place there while they’re here,” Cav said. “I lived there for a time while the cabin was being rebuilt. I cleared some of it out and made some minor repairs when I lived there, but I haven’t done a walkthrough in a while. I’m sure it needs a little fixing up and definitely a good cleaning, but there’s five bedrooms, so it should be enough to hold them, I think.” He caressed Wynter’s cheek. “It might not be fancy, but come spring, that field down there is full of wildflowers and it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“I love it. It’s perfect.” Wynter smiled. “I don’t need fancy. I just need you.”
“Are you saying I’m notfancy?”Cav asked, feigning a wound.
Wynter laughed, the light and joy in his eyes tightening Cav’s chest. “Nope, not fancy, my Wildling.”
Cav grinned, pleased by that answer. He slid one hand behind Wynter’s head and captured his omega’s mouth, hungry to sample that joy on his love’s lips. He’d soon grow heavy from the taste, day after day spent sharing his omega’s affections.
25
When they returned to their son’s home in Alexandria, they knocked on the door, giggling like a couple of teenagers in love. Wynter cuddled close to his alpha, feeling like a brand-new person, all thanks to Cavanaugh. After a week away at the cabin, they’d rekindled their love for one another as well as outlined some basic plans for their lives moving forward—focusing mostly on the plans for their joining ceremony. Wynter was thrilled for the chance to shout his adoration to the world.
Wilder appeared at the door, a bemused smile coming to his lips after taking a look at them both. “I assume the trip was time well spent?”
“Yes, it was,” Wynter replied. He forced the smile from his lips but found himself a failure at the task. He was so happy he could burst. Yet, a niggle of doubt filled him. “We wanted to discuss something with you.”
“Come in,” Wilder said, backing away.
When they followed Wilder deeper into the house, Wynter noticed they had guests. Rohan and Gray were there, but also a distinguished-looking beta he didn’t recognize. They sat clustered around the kitchen table with Avery, deep in conversation. “You should’ve said you had company. We can come back.”
“It’s an Avery’s thing. I’m just the wallet, so they won’t miss me,” Wilder said.
“Just a wallet?”Wynter asked, arching a brow.
“Not likethat,”Wilder replied. “We got thousands in donations for Avery’s legal fees—not that we asked for it. Many of them were bills shoved into an envelope with a simple note and no forwarding address, so there was no way we could send it back. We’re using it to benefit other unjustly incarcerated omegas. Some of the men Avery met while he was imprisoned don’t belong behind bars, and he wants to help free as many as he can. I set up a charitable account for the funds, and I sign the checks when they need me to.” Wilder shrugged. “It’s Avery’s baby. Well, hisotherbaby.”
“Oh,” Wynter replied, blinking. “That omega of yours continues to impress me. I hope you know how special he is.”
Wilder smiled. “I do.”
“I thought Avery was an accountant?” Wynter asked. “Why doyouhave control of the account?”
“He was in prison when the money started arriving, so I had to be the one to open it. We just haven’t had a chance to switch it over to him yet. He tracks all the spending and works out budgets, if need be, but I have to sign the checks. For now.”
“Well, if it’s his baby, you give him control,” Wynter said to Wilder. “Make it a priority.”
Wilder smiled. “Yes, Papa.”
“You have a charitable account… do they have a charter and a board?” Wynter asked.
“Oh, it’s not that big of a thing,” Wilder said. “They’re tackling a case or two at a time, as they can… but the list just keeps growing and I don’t know if they’ll be able to accomplish as much as Avery hopes they can.”
“A case or two at a time isn’t going to chip away much,” Wynter said.
Wilder crossed his arms over his chest. “No, it’s not. And these omegas really need the help. I’ve heard some real horror stories. Sadly, some of them were pushed to such extremes that I think they’re beyond Avery’s help.”
“Why would they be beyond help?” Wynter asked.